Women in Nuclear - WiN Canada

As a communications specialist for AREVA Resources Canada Inc. in Saskatoon, Veronique is proud to be part of an industry that takes their work seriously. Veronique says that in this industry, “employee and public safety and environmental protection are not just words in a glossy brochure but are actually important tasks and responsibilities in everyday operations.” It’s Veronique’s job to take these issues, as well as complex operational concepts, and make them accessible and understandable to employees and the general public. This is her favourite part of the job - interacting with stakeholders, the communities closest to AREVA’s operations and the general public, making sure that everyone has accurate, up-to-date information about uranium mining and the nuclear industry.

Veronique says that one of her most rewarding projects to date has been creating and implementing AREVA’s latest branding campaign in Saskatchewan with the aim of raising the profile of the company and the uranium mining industry. She particularly enjoys the challenge of working for an industry that is often misunderstood and can generate heated debates, stating that this “drives me to be the best communicator I can be to dispel myths and misconceptions.”

It’s been a busy few years for Veronique. This mother of 3 recently completed an intensive 2-year MBA program while working full time. Her previous educational endeavours include a BA in Translation and Education and a Certificate in Tourism Management. She is also a member of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Saskatchewan.

As a 15-year veteran of the nuclear industry, Veronique credits her mom for encouraging her to break tradition and enter a male-dominated working environment. Her mom always sent the message that “if I was driven and had the necessary qualifications and skills, I could try anything.”  Veronique says that it was this mindset that let her seize the opportunity within the nuclear industry when it came up. Happily, Veronique has noticed a clear shift in industry employment practices and there are more and more women in all areas, from the trades people on the shop floor to the professionals in the corporate boardroom.

Veronique says she was inspired by the women she met after attending the WiN Global conference in Waterloo- “it is empowering to know that I have an entire network of talented and professional women at my fingertips to help me grow in my understanding of our industry.”  Her next goal? Veronique would like to start a chapter of WiN in Saskatchewan!